Treatment for autism with supplements, dietary intervention and other non-drug approaches can be complex. Individual needs vary, and it is not possible provide a single protocol to follow for all individuals with autism.

Dr. James Adams, professor at Arizona State University and co-chair of Autism Research Institute’s (ARI) Scientific Advisory Committee, recently published a valuable comprehensive review paper that summarizes research and provides a rationale for different approaches that can be taken. The article, available on the ARI website. explains:

The dietary, nutritional, and medical treatments discussed here will not help every individual with autism, but they have helped thousands of children and adults improve, usually slowly and steadily over months and years, but sometimes dramatically. This summary is primarily based on review of the scientific literature, and includes over 150 references to peer-reviewed scientific research studies. It is also based on discussions with many physicians, nutritionists, researchers, and parents.

This summary generally follows the philosophy of ARI, which involves trying to identify and treat the underlying causes of the symptoms of autism, based on medical testing, scientific research, and clinical experience, with an emphasis on nutritional interventions. Many of these treatments have been developed from observations by parents and physicians.